Digital Identification in Africa: Between Promises of Inclusion and Risks of Exclusion

Joël Cariolle () and Léa Quilici
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Joël Cariolle: FERDI - Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International, CERDI - Centre d'Études et de Recherches sur le Développement International - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - UCA - Université Clermont Auvergne
Léa Quilici: FERDI - Fondation pour les Etudes et Recherches sur le Développement International

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Abstract: Legal identity is a fundamental right recognised internationally. Yet in sub-Saharan Africa, millions of people remain without official documents, which prevents them from accessing education, healthcare, financial services, and social protection. In 2022, approximately 850 million people worldwide lacked legal proof of identity, a situation that perpetuates exclusion and hinders economic development. In response to this problem, digital identification systems (DIS) appear to be a promising solution for modernising administration and strengthening social inclusion. By guaranteeing a recognised identity, they facilitate access to public services and economic opportunities. However, their implementation faces many challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure, costs, trust, and personal data protection. These issues require in-depth analysis in order to assess the impact of DISs and identify the conditions conducive to their successful adoption in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Digital Identification; Africa; Sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-10-22
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05835724v1
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Published in Ferdi. 2026

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